Several factors can result in injury or infection in a snake’s spectacle, which can lead to impaired vision, and potentially affect their ability or willingness to eat. Our team at Veterinary Vision Center wants to provide information about spectacular diseases in snakes to ensure your affected reptilian pet gets the care they need.
The spectacle is a transparent structure that covers the snake’s eye. During embryonic development, the snake’s eyelids fuse, preventing palpebral fissure formation (i.e., the area between open eyelids) and resulting in spectacle formation. This structure is a type of scale that protects the cornea. The spectacle does not adhere to the cornea, which creates the subspectacular space that contains a tear-like secretion produced by the Harderian gland inside the eye’s orbit. The fluid lubricates the subspectacular space, allowing the snake’s eye to move freely. Nasolacrimal ducts drain the subspectacular space fluid into the mouth near the vomeronasal organ, which helps the snake hunt and track their prey. Since the spectacle is a scale, the structure sloughs at regular intervals during normal ecdysis (i.e., shedding old skin). The spectacles are clear, except prior to shedding, when they turn bluish-white. Spectacle damage causes include being fed live prey, inappropriate environment, dysecdysis (i.e., abnormal shedding), incorrect retained spectacle treatment, infection, and parasitic infestation.
Eye infections are a common health issue that can affect pet ball pythons. As snake owners, it’s important to understand the signs, causes, and treatment options for eye infections so that we can properly care for our reptile companions. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth look at eye infections in ball pythons and how to handle them.
What Are the Symptoms of an Eye Infection in Ball Pythons?
There are several symptoms that can indicate your ball python has developed an eye infection:
- Swelling or redness around one or both eyes
- Discharge or mucus coming from the eye(s)
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes and face against objects in the enclosure
- Cloudiness of the eye(s)
- Small white or yellowish bumps on the eye caps (spectacles)
- Squinting or keeping the eyes closed
- Listlessness and lack of appetite
If you notice any of these signs it means there is likely an issue with your snake’s eyes that requires veterinary attention. Eye infections won’t go away on their own so it’s crucial to have your ball python examined and treated as soon as possible.
What Causes Eye Infections in Ball Pythons?
There are several potential causes of eye infections in ball pythons
Inadequate humidity – Ball pythons require a humidity level of 50-60% to stay healthy. If the humidity drops too low, it can lead to dehydration, poor sheds, and dry, irritated eyes that are prone to infections.
Stuck eye caps – Ball pythons shed their eye caps (spectacles) along with their skin. Sometimes the old eye caps can get stuck and not shed properly. This can cause fluid buildup underneath and bacterial or fungal growth.
Foreign objects – Substrate, bedding, or other debris that gets into the eye can cause irritation, scratches, and infection.
Bacterial infection – Bacteria such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus can infect the eyes, especially if there is already irritation or damage present.
Fungal infection – Fungal eye infections are not as common but can be caused by Aspergillus, Candida, and other fungal species.
Vitamin A deficiency – A lack of vitamin A can make eyes more vulnerable to infection. This is often tied to poor nutrition from insufficient or improper feeding.
Husbandry issues – Unsanitary enclosure conditions, sharp decor items, improper handling, and other husbandry mistakes can contribute to eye infections in ball pythons.
By correcting any husbandry problems and getting prompt treatment, most eye infections can be resolved if caught early on.
How are Eye Infections Treated in Ball Pythons?
If you suspect your ball python has an eye infection, the first step is to make an appointment with an exotic veterinarian. They will examine your snake’s eyes under a microscope and determine the cause of infection.
Treatment will depend on the source of infection, but commonly includes:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment – For bacterial infections, antibiotic drops can treat the eye.
- Antifungal medication – For fungal eye infections, antifungal cream or drops specifically for reptiles may be prescribed.
- Correcting husbandry issues – Proper humidity, sanitation, decor safety, and other factors must be addressed.
- Vitamin supplements – Vitamin A and other supplements may be recommended.
- Removal of retained eye caps – Stuck eye caps need to be gently removed by the vet.
- Medicated baths – Baths containing chlorhexidine or iodine can be soothing and healing.
- Injectable antibiotics or antifungals – For severe cases, injectable meds may be needed.
- Eye drop administration – The vet can show you how to properly administer eye drops at home.
With treatment, most eye infections in ball pythons can be cleared up. However, prompt vet attention is key to prevent permanent damage.
How Can I Prevent Eye Infections in My Ball Python?
The good news is that there are several ways you can help prevent eye infections from occurring in your ball python:
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Maintain proper humidity of 50-60%. This prevents dehydration and dry eyes. Spot check with a hygrometer.
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Use appropriate substrate. Avoid sand, which can irritate eyes. Eco earth, cypress mulch, and reptile carpets are better choices.
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Keep the enclosure clean. Spot clean feces daily and disinfect the tank fully every 30 days.
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Avoid sharp decor. Smooth hide boxes and branches are less likely to damage eyes.
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Check for retained eye caps after shedding. Gently remove any stuck caps with a cotton swab soaked in warm water.
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Feed a nutritious, vitamin-rich diet. This supports eye health and immunity. Dust food with calcium + vitamin D3.
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Quarantine new snakes. This prevents introducing infections from unknown health histories.
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Address health issues promptly. Nip eye infections in the bud before they worsen.
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Schedule annual vet checkups. Wellness exams allow early detection of potential problems.
By keeping your ball python’s habitat and diet optimal, you can help keep its eyes healthy and infection-free. But knowing the signs of eye issues and acting quickly is key for the best outcome.
FAQs about Ball Python Eye Infections:
How can I tell if my ball python has an eye infection?
Signs of an eye infection include swelling, reddening, eye discharge, frequent rubbing of the eyes, cloudiness, and unnatural eye positioning/trouble opening eyes. If you observe any of these symptoms, it means your ball python likely has an infection and needs to see an exotic vet.
What’s the most common cause of eye infections in ball pythons?
Inadequate humidity is the most common cause of eye issues in ball pythons. Their eyes can become irritated, damaged and susceptible to infection if the humidity drops below 50%. Other common causes include retained eye caps after shedding, foreign debris in the eye, nutritional deficiencies, and unsanitary housing conditions.
How long does it take for a ball python eye infection to heal with treatment?
With prompt veterinary treatment, most eye infections in ball pythons will clear up within 2-4 weeks. Mild infections may heal faster, while more severe infections can take 6 weeks or longer to fully resolve. Improvement is usually seen within the first week. Be sure to finish any prescribed medication, even if your snake’s eyes look better.
Can an eye infection spread to my other ball pythons?
Certain eye infections caused by bacteria or fungi can be contagious to other ball pythons in your collection. To prevent spreading illness, thoroughly clean and disinfect any enclosures used by a sick snake. Quarantine the infected snake for at least 60 days post-treatment. Always wash hands after handling any snake showing signs of an eye infection.
Will a ball python go blind from an eye infection?
In most cases, eye infections will not cause permanent blindness as long as appropriate veterinary treatment is provided. However, if an eye infection is left untreated for an extended period, the cornea can become too damaged for a ball python to fully regain its eyesight. Catching and addressing eye issues quickly is key to preventing long-term vision impairment.
Eye infections are common but treatable health issues for pet ball pythons. By recognizing symptoms early and getting prompt veterinary care, these reptiles can make full recoveries and maintain their eyesight. Be vigilant for any eye abnormalities and take action right away at the first signs of infection. With proper care and husbandry, you can help prevent many eye problems in your ball python.
Spectacle parasite infection in snakes
Mites and ticks can be found around a snake’s eyes, commonly between the facial periocular scales, and can be physically removed by flushing. Appropriate antiparasitic treatments should also be administered.
Abraded and avulsed spectacles in snakes
Spectacle injury is a serious condition with potential problems that include:
- Abraded spectacle — Snakes can abrade their spectacle when they rub their face on rocks, trees, or the enclosure walls because of insufficient humidity, parasites, or dysecdysis. If the lesions aren’t full thickness, correcting the underlying problem and treating the eyes with topical antibiotics should remedy the issue. Scarring should disappear at the next skin slough.
- Avulsed spectacle — An inexperienced individual who attempts to manually remove a retained spectacle may remove the entire spectacle, which is a serious problem, because the cornea is left without protection or lubrication. Topical treatment will rarely save the eye, and using a soft contact lens or performing an oral mucosa transposition over the eye to protect the cornea is usually necessary.